BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), in partnership with the Cordillera Regional Gender and Development Committee (RGADC), promotes efforts to ensure that Filipino women and youth play an active role in peacebuilding and security efforts.
The OPAPRU conducted on Friday (Nov. 29, 2024) an Orientation on Women, Peace and Security, (WPS) Youth, Peace and Security, and Conflict Sensitive and Peace Promotion (CSPP) to update RGADC members on the importance of these frameworks in shaping and improving policies, programs, and activities that address the unique needs of women and youth.
These underscore the principles of inclusivity and equity in fostering sustainable development and peace. Project Development Officers Reñe A. Gandeza and Jasmine Tolentino from OPAPRU highlighted the need to amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes, particularly in local communities.
“Real change happens when women’s voices are heard and considered by local community leaders,” Tolentino emphasized.
The CSPP framework advocates for a deeper understanding of local contexts. It supports the design of policies and interventions that do not unintentionally escalate tensions or conflicts.
By being context-sensitive, government actions become more effective in reducing violence and fostering peace among all affected groups. She stressed the importance of localizing WPS initiatives, noting that each community has unique needs, laws, and governance structures.
Tolentino explained that while international and national frameworks provide valuable guidance, they often fail to capture the full range of local needs.
These international laws may need to be evaluated and modified to ensure that they are owned by local communities and effectively address their specific needs.
This orientation reinforced the commitment of both OPAPRU and RGADC to advance gender-sensitive and conflict-awareness policies, laying the groundwork for inclusive and sustainable peace in the Cordillera region.
This event was attended by representatives from the private sector, government agencies, RGADC members, and other stakeholders. (JDP/FBR-PIA CAR)
